Paul Gascoigne was on Monday night travelling to a rehabilitation centre in
the United States after famous friends of the troubled star came to his aid.

Former England cricketer Ronnie Irani told Telegraph Sport that he and broadcaster Chris Evans had put Gascoigne on a plane to Phoenix, Arizona, where he was expected to undergo treatment for his alcoholism.

Evans and Irani decided to act after Gascoigne’s agent, Terry Baker, claimed on Sunday that the 45-year-old’s life was in danger as a result of his addiction.

Irani said on Monday night: “For us, it’s a small way to help him out, which could be a massive thing for him.”

Evans, who famously befriended Gascoigne during the former England midfielder’s 1990s heyday, had contacted Irani via text message on Sunday, asking: “How can we help Gazza?”

Irani had worked with Gascoigne previously but also knew Paul Spanger from Providence Projects, a rehabilitation programme that had helped the ex-footballer in the past.

Following talks on Monday with Evans and Spanger, Irani arranged for Gascoigne to catch a British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport at 3.05pm, having made a direct plea to the company’s chairman – and former Liverpool chairman – Martin Broughton. Irani hailed BA’s willingness to help as “unbelievable”.

Gascoigne’s management company last night confirmed he had “willingly” gone to an unnamed centre in America.

In a statement, GamePlan Solutions said Gascoigne was an alcoholic with “complex issues” which were being dealt with by professionals.

It added: “Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days. He is motivated to fully understand and control his addiction problem under guidance.”

Yesterday’s intervention came as Professional Footballers Association chief executive Gordon Taylor admitted Gascoigne may need almost “24-hour” supervision in case he did “anything silly”.

Both the PFA and Football Association vowed on Sunday to help Gascoigne after it emerged that he had been shaking and slurring his words during a charity event in Northampton on Thursday.

Taylor revealed the PFA had recently paid for a detoxification programme for the former Tottenham and Lazio midfielder through the Sporting Chance Clinic but that he had checked himself out.

Taylor told Telegraph Sport on Monday: “Sometimes we go one step forward, two back. Just recently, he’s been in for detoxification and he’s checked himself out.

“It gets frustrating for people trying to help him. It’s just not possible to be with him 24/7. It’s not one of our success stories at the moment.

"I wish it was but there’s been medical treatment and rehabilitation clinics and a network of support. But it’s not working out. It’s quite worrying but we’ve just got to keep at it and be there for him when he needs us.”

Taylor expressed fears Gascoigne could end up like Manchester United legend George Best, who died in 2005 after a long battle with alcoholism.

The PFA chief also defended his organisation from criticism from former players such as Peter Schmeichel, who wrote on Twitter after watching a video of the Northampton event: “This is not fun watching. Gazza needs help. Come on PFA and Gordon Taylor, time to step up.”

Taylor said: “There isn’t a player we’ve done more for over my time at the PFA.”

Gascoigne has openly admitted to having alcohol problems and was sectioned twice in 2008 under the Mental Health Act.